Philippines’ National Symbols
According to National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA), official national symbols of the Philippines represent
the country’s traditions and ideals and convey the principles of
Philippine sovereignty and national solidarity. With this, a
country has their own national symbols to identify themselves
from others and to unite its citizens through nationalism.
National Flag
The Philippines national flag, as defined by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, is made of
silk, had a white equilateral triangle at the left containing a sunburst of eight rays at the center, a five-pointed
star at each angle of the triangle, an upper stripe of blue and a lower stripe of red. The sun stands for liberty;
the sunburst of eight rays for the first eight provinces to take up arms against Spain; and the three stars for the
three island groups of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The white triangle signifies Filipino hope
for equality; the upper blue stripe stands for peace, truth and justice; while the lower red stripe stands for
patriotism and valor.
You don’t throw away an old Philippine flag.
Section 14 of Republic Act 8491 (Flag and Heraldic
Code of the Philippines) states that a flag worn out
through wear and tear, shall not be thrown away. It
shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or
desecration. The flag shall be replaced immediately
when it begins to show signs of wear and tear. That is
why the CCP was doing the right thing when it burned
100 worn-out out flags recently.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Ako ay Pilipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at
kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan at
Makabansa.
Patriotic Oath of the Philippines
Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas, aking lupang sinilangan,
Tahanan ng aking lahi, kinukupkop ako at tinutulungang
Maging malakas, masipag at marangal
Dahil mahal ko ang Pilipinas,
Diringgin ko ang payo ng aking magulang,
Susundin ko ang tuntunin ng paaralan,
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang mamamayang
makabayan,
Naglilingkod, nag-aaral at nagdarasal nang buong
katapatan.
Iaalay ko ang aking buhay, pangarap, pagsisikap
Sa bansang Pilipinas.
Filipino National Motto
Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa
National Anthem: “Lupang Hinirang”
The Philippine national anthem is
entitled “Lupang Hinirang” and
composed by Julian Felipe.
“Lupang Hinirang” was first
played publicly on June 12,
1898 during the proclamation of
Philippine Independence. Its
lyrics were adopted from the
Spanish poem, Filipinas, which
was written by José Palma.
For more than a year, the national anthem, Lupang
Hinirang remained without words.
Our national anthem was just music when it was first played by
Banda San Francisco de Malabon on the occasion of the
declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898. The
words of Jose Palma’s “Filipinas, Letra Para La Marcha
Nacional”
published on September 3, 1899 was used as lyrics for
the national anthem. In 1943, the Institute of National Language
was ordered by the late President Jose P. Laurel to translate the
original Spanish text into Filipino and English. But a more
spontaneous and apt translation was produced by a committee
formed by the Department of Education thirteen years later. This
was entitled “Lupang Hinirang.”
National Flower: Sampaguita
The Philippine national flower is
called “sampaguita” which is
generally known as the Arabian
Jasmine.
Its
white
color
symbolizes
purity,
simplicity,
humility and strength.
Sampaguita or Arabian Jasmine (Jasminium
sambac)- Philippine Sampaguita flower is a white,
star-shaped blossom which has a sweet fragrance. It
opens at night and droops in less than a day. The
white flowers are often made into wreath and its
extract made into perfumes. Sampaguita is not a tree
but a woody vine. The flower called was accepted as
the National Flower of Philippines in 1934 which also
happens to be the National Flower of Indonesia.
The national flower sampaguita symbolizes purity,
simplicity, humility and strength.
Declared as the national flower by Gov. Gen. Frank
Murphy through Proclamation No. 652 s. 1934, the
sweet-smelling white flowers of sampaguita (the plant
is a woody vine or shrub) has long been celebrated in
song, stories and legends. Originally from India, they
are often made into garlands and its essence made
into perfumes. The tiny flowers display their purity in
the evening when the flower buds begin to open at
dusk.
National Tree: Narra
The Philippine national tree is called
“narra” generally known as rosewood. It
was made official by Gov. Gen. Frank
Murphy through Proclamation No. 652 s.
1934. In fact, under the DENR
Memorandum Order dated February 5,
2013, cutting of Narra needs to be
approved by the DENR Central Office,
particularly by the Office of the
Undersecretary for field Operations.
Narra tree is a striking, large and strong shady tree. It is
one of the most wanted wood for furniture but because
there are only a few trees left, cutting down a Narra tree
is no longer allowed. It is mostly found in Bicol,
Mindanao and the Cagayan Valley forests. The Narra
trees grow all over the Philippine islands and are mostly
found and grown in Bicol, Mindanao and the Cagayan
Valley forests.
A special permit is needed when cutting Narra, our
national tree which is already considered an
endangered specie.
It was declared by Gov. Gen. Frank Murphy as the
national tree through Proclamation No. 652 s. 1934. Narra
and other premium hardwood trees require a special
permit under DENR (Department of Environment and
Natural Resources) Adm. Order No. 78, S. of 1987 and
DENR Memo Circular No.22, S. of 1990. And under DENR
Memorandum Order dated February 5, 2013, the cutting of
Narra needs to be approved by the DENR Central Office,
particularly by the Office of the Undersecretary for field
Operations
National Bird: Philippine Eagle
The Philippine national bird is
called
“Philippine
eagle”
scientifically known as
Pithecophaga jeffery. It was made
official in 1978 by former President
Ferdinand
Marcos
through
Proclamation No. 1732.
Philippine Eagle or also known as the monkey eating eagle stands
over 3 feet (1m) tall. It has a large, sharp, curved beak. It has
feathers that seem to bristle on its head. It is a giant forest raptor
and is considered excellent hunters. It is considered one of the
largest and most powerful eagles in the world and one of the
world's rarest and definitely one of the world’s most seriously
endangered vertebrate bird kind with only about 500 birds in the
wild. It lives in tropical rain forests and it lays only one or two
eggs each year. There are only a few of them now because of the
disappearance of trees in our mountains.
The Philippine Eagle knows a thing or two about
monogamy.
Declared by Pres. Fidel V. Ramos as the national
bird through Proclamation No. 615 s. 1995, the
Philippine eagle is monogamous, with pairs mating
for life. If one of the pair dies, however, the surviving
eagle will usually find another companion.
National Gem: Philippine Pearl
The Philippine national gem is
called “Philippine Pearl” as
declared by Former President
Fidel V. Ramos through
Proclamation No. 905 s. 1996.
It is scientifically known as
Pinctada Maxima. In fact,
world’s largest pearl was
discovered by a Filipino diver
in a giant Tridacna (mollusk)
under the Palawan Sea in
1934.
The world’s largest pearl was discovered by a Filipino
diver in a giant Tridacna (mollusk) under the Palawan Sea
in 1934.
Known as the “Pearl of Lao-Tzu”and “Pearl of Allah,”the
gem weighs 14 pounds and measures 9 1/2 inches long and
5 1/2 inches in diameter. As of May 1984, it was valued at
US$42 million. It is believed to be 600 years old (Department
of Tourism). Though it has now been trumped by another
pearl in the Guiness World Records, its size is still worthy of
adoration. The Philippine pearl was declared as the national
gem by Pres. Fidel V. Ramos through Proclamation 905 s.
1996.
National Sport: Arnis
Arnis is to the Philippines like Japan’s Karate and Korea’s Taekwondo. It’s both a martial
art and a sport whose origins are still largely unconfirmed because of lack of
documentation. It’s known by two other names: Kali and Eskrima, and makes use of
both bladed weapons, batons/sticks, and bare hands. It became a national symbol in
2009 when then-Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9850 into law.
The national sport Arnis is also known as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote and other
names in various regional languages, such as Pananandata in
Tagalog; Pagkalikali in Ibanag; Kabaraon and Kalirongan in
Pangasinan; Kaliradman in Bisaya; and Didja in Ilokano.
Arnis was declared as the Philippine National Martial Art and Sport
on December 11, 2009, through Republic Act 9850 signed by Pres.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. As per R.A. 9850, the official adoption of
arnis as the national martial art and sport shall be promulgated by
inscribing the symbol of arnis in the official seal of the Philippine
Sports Commission and by making it as the first competition to be
played by participating teams on the first day in the annual
Palarong Pambansa. The Philippine Sports Commission is the lead
agency to implement the provisions of this Act.
What follows here is the list of our country’s
unofficial national symbols:
Dr. Jose Rizal: National Hero
Long recognized in the country’s history books as our
National Hero, Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo
Realonda’s status as our national hero has not been the
subject of debate for the common Juan. Scholars,
however, still argue about who should be given the title:
Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo,
Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan
Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela
Silang were listed down by former President Fidel V.
Ramos as those worthy of being given the title of
National Hero. This list has not been acted on since
being submitted by the National Heroes Committee on
November 22, 1995.
No law, executive order or proclamation has been enacted or issued officially
proclaiming any Filipino historical figure as the national hero.
However, because of their significant roles in the process
of nation building and contributions to history, there were
laws enacted and proclamations issued honoring these
heroes. Even Jose Rizal considered as the greatest
among the Filipino heroes, was not explicitly proclaimed
as a national hero. The position he now holds in Philippine
history is a tribute to the continued veneration or
acclamation of the people in recognition of his contribution
to the significant social transformations that took place in
our country.
Despite the lack of any official declaration explicitly
proclaiming them as national heroes, they remain admired
and revered for their roles in Philippine history. Heroes,
according to historians, should not be legislated. Their
appreciation should be better left to academics.
Acclamation for heroes, they felt, would be recognition
enough.
Anahaw: National leaf
Often referred to as the National
Leaf, the anahaw or round-leaf
fountain palm is not part of the
country’s national symbols.
Normally seen in the countryside
as a roofing
material, anahaw leaves are seen
as decorative pieces/plants in the
metro.
The Filipino word "Anahaw" (ana-how) are nice-looking,
tropical palm known for its round fan-shaped leaves. Its
leaf has some uses like: to fan yourself during hot days.
The Tagalogs of Quezon Province even use it to wrap
their brown and delicious tikoy. Anahaw leaves are also
a widespread symbol in the Philippines that is often
used in awards and medals to represent high
achievement, strength, and loyalty. The Anahaw leaf
features a large, round outline and is glossy green in
color. It spreads out grandly from the center of the shaft
and opens to a full crest divided shallowly at the ends
and is known to be one of the most beautiful plant in
the Philippines.
Mango (Mangifera indica) : National fruit
A common sight in Philippine wet and dry markets, the mango has
long been seen as the National fruit. As popular as it is for making
desserts, there is no law that proclaims it as a national symbol.
Philippine Mango is a bizarre tropical fruit prevalently
known to be yellow in color which achieves its addictive
taste through its scrupulous harvest procedures. Philippine
Mango is recognized worldwide for its best qualities, which
cannot be beaten by any kind of mangoes around the globe.
It is a wonder fruit of versatile ways to enjoy its taste. Green
mango can be served as a salad constituent, while golden
yellow mango has diversities of ways to relish its
uniqueness. It can be served as plain, processed, dried or
frozen, this delicious fruit is world known for its sweetest
character. Philippine mango is an ideal dessert served in
many ways and has been known as the “Fruit of the Gods”.
Carabao: National animal
If common men have dogs as
their best friend, then the
carabao or Philippine water
buffalo is the Filipino farmer’s
best friend. They’re beasts of
burden, able to do almost
everything that needs to be done
on the rice fields, including carry
the farmer and his goods. But,
without any laws to recognized
them, they’ll remain an unofficial
symbol of the country.
Kalabaw or Carabao or water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
- The carabao or kalabaw in Filipino is a tamed type of
water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis or sometimes bubalus
carabanesis) in the Philippines. Being the farm animal of
choice for pulling the plow and cart used to tow farm
produce to the market, carabaos are warmly associated
with farmers. Its life span is 18 to 20 years and the
female carabao can deliver one calf each year.
Bahay Kubo: National house
The humble bahay kubo or
nipa hut is still seen in some
parts of the country,
particularly in the provinces.
While it has long been a
symbol of Filipino homes, it
has not been recognized as a
national symbol.
Bahay kubo is a shelter made out of bamboo and palm leaves. It is a
good place to take rest and eat typical food in the farm because of
its material which allows good ventilation. The roof of the first
Philippine houses, nipa huts, or bahay kubo, were high inclined and
typically open gabled to allow for ventilation. The steeply sloping
pitch also protected from the wind and rain in the typhoon season.
The roof also provides wide extension roof space to provide shade
from the hot sun.
Bangus: National fish
Bony, yet prized for its belly fat, which almost everyone fights for
on the dinner table. The bangus or milkfish has long been seen as
the country’s national fish, yet without a law, it’s status will never
be official.
Bangus or Milkfish (Chanos chanos)
- Deboned milkfish, or "boneless
bangus," has become popular in stores
and markets because milkfish is known
for being bonier than other food fish in
the Philippines. Bangus is a popular
table fare among Filipinos. To the
biologist, it is a naturally strong fish since
it is capable in adapting and thrives even
in the limited, unusual environment of
the fishpond. This feature is not
frequently found in most other fish class.
Philippine National Dish
Lechon or Roasted pig
- The lechon is a very popular and famous food among Filipinos. Lechon (litson in tagalong) is roasted
whole pig cooked over burning charcoals. It is a dish that is almost a fixed part and menu centerpiece of
any Filipino celebration which is usually prepared for fiestas, family celebrations (like parties and
marriages) and also a favorite dish during Christmas. Lechon is the Spanish name for pig, in the Philippines
it means a spit-roasted pig. Lechon is prepared by filling the inside of the animal pig with herbs and
vegetables. The pigs are slowly hand roasted on top of charcoal for hours till their skin turns into reddish
brown and the inside flesh becomes tender. Philippine Lechon is often served with a thick liver sauce
cooked with vinegar, sugar and herbs.
Philippine National Costume for Men
- Barong Tagalog is an untucked or loose shirt of
delicate fabric showing Chinese, airy tropical
appearance Indo-Malayan and elongated effect
of Hindu influences and the decorative captivity
of European men's clothing. The barong
appears to have preserved its fundamental look
since it was first worn. Almost unnoticeably,
through the years, the barong's round neck,
straight long sleeves and mid-thigh hemline
were resourcefully customized with collar, cuffs
and side slits.
Philippine National Costume for Women
Baro't Saya is a collarless blouse and
skirt which means baro at saya (blouse
and skirt). From the original, half-naked
style, the bare upper torso was slowly
covered with a short-sleeved, collarless
blouse called "baro". The whole look
has developed into a many-layered
collection of the kimona or inner shirt,
the baro outershirt with its typically
delicate materials, fine embroidery and
wide sleeves.
Philippine National Footwear
Bakya or wooden clogs
- Bakya or wooden clogs footwear is made from
local light wood like santol and laniti. It is cut to
the desired foot size before being shaven until
smooth. The side of the bakya is thick enough to
be carved with floral, geometric or landscape
designs. Afterwards, the bakya could then be
painted or varnished. Uppers of plastic or rubber
will then be fixed firmly using clavitos or tiny nails
and the bakya is now ready to wear. The word
bakya may also be used in the Philippines to
indicate something that is of "low-class",
"unsophisticated" or "cheap".
Philippine National Vehicle
Kalesa
- Philippine kalesa is a horse-driven carriage that looks
like an inclined cart, was introduced during the 18th
century. The kalesa has two round wheels on each side
and two rows of seats that can accommodate four
persons. The driver sits on a block of wood located at
the front of the cart near the horse. This was one of the
methods of transportation introduced in the Philippines
in the 18th century by the Spaniards that only nobles
and high ranked Spanish officials could afford. The
Ilustrados, who are the rich Filipinos who had their own
businesses, used the kalesa not only for traveling but as
a way of transporting their goods as well. They are
hardly ever used in the streets nowadays except in
tourist spots and some rural areas
Other things have been cited over time as a national
symbol, yet have never been recognized.
•The battle has raged on between which should be
recognized as the National Dance: Tinikling or Cariñosa.
•A still-to-be-settled debate has also raged online
between those who love sinigang (sour soup) and those
who love adobo as to which should be recognized as the
national dish.
Also, related to this, the official national symbols of the Philippines are its Philippine
Flag (Republic Act 8491, known also as Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines),
national anthem (Lupang Hinirang), coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices
of the Philippines. Apart from RA 8491, the Philippines has only four (4) other official
national symbols (meaning, those which represent Philippine traditions and ideals and
convey the principles of Philippine sovereignty and national solidarity) enacted through
a proclamation by the executive department, namely sampaguita, nara, Philippine
Eagle, and the Philippine Pearl. In 1934, during the Commonwealth era, GovernorGeneral Frank Murphy declared sampaguita and nara as National flower and National
tree, respectively, through Proclamation No. 652. Philippine President Fidel Ramos
Former President Fidel V. Ramos proclaimed the Philippine eagle as the national bird in
1995 through Proclamation No. 615. Ramos likewise named the Philippines’ National
Gem: Philippine Pearl through Proclamation No. 905 s. 1996.
There is also no Filipino historical figure officially declared as
national hero through law or executive order. Although, there
were laws and proclamations honoring Filipino heroes. On
November 15, 1995, the Technical Committee of the National
Heroes Committee, created through Executive Order No. 5 by
former President Fidel Ramos, recommended nine Filipino
historical figures to be National Heroes: Jose Rizal, Andres
Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del
Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino,
and Gabriela Silang. There has not been any action taken for
these recommended National Heroes.
Online interactive activity using FB,
Twitter or E-mail.
1. Ask with one of the Grade 2
students in public school about the
Philippine National Symbols.
2. Ask with one of the Grade 2
students in private school about the
Philippine National Symbols.
3. Write the given responses and
send to your teacher
Note: Deadline of submission is on June
11, 2020. Kindly send this back to me
thru either secoc93@gmail.com